Speaking after inaugurating ‘Sugarcane Value Chain-Vision 2025 Sugar’ international conference and exhibition at Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), an autonomous cane growers’ body headed by Pawar, Modi lauded the developmental work by the NCP chief and his concern for farmers and agri sector.

“I have seen that Sharadrao finds time for farmers and the agriculture sector despite his hectic political schedule,” Modi said, adding Pawar had always helped him in politics. “We cannot ignore the global economy when we are looking at the sugar industry,” he said.

This was the second time in two years that Modi visited an institution headed by Pawar. In February 2015, Modi had visited Baramati, Pawar’s hometown, to inaugurate a Krishi Vigyan Kendra building and also had lunch at the NCP chief’s home.